How to Replace Jet Deep-Well Foot Pump Valves

A deep-well jet pump uses a foot valve to maintain water suction in the pump’s suction pipe. A malfunctioning foot valve will result in the pump losing its prime. Your pump can be permanently damaged if it is operated for an extended period of time without repair to the foot valve. You can repair the valve with basic tools and a derrick.

Things You'll Need

Screwdriver

Plumber's pliers

Derrick

Turn off the electricity to the jet pump.

Remove the cap from the well head. The cap is secured by three set screws around its rim.

Disconnect the well pipes from the house feeds on the inside of the well casing. In a deep-well system there are two well pipes. The house feeds will be held onto the well pipes with union fittings. Plumber's pliers will be necessary to loosen the fittings.

Attach the derrick to the well pipes and remove the pipes from the well. The foot valve will be attached to the jet body on the bottom of the pipes.

Unscrew the damaged foot valve from the jet body using the plumber's pliers.

Screw the new foot valve onto the jet body and tighten it firmly.

Lower the new foot valve, jet body and well pipes into the well using the derrick.